Common Linux tools on Android without root by installing BusyBox

[Adam Outler] shows us how to expand the Linux tools available on Android without rooting the device. He does this by installing BusyBox. The binary is copied to the device using the Android Developer Bridge. He then opens an ADB shell, adds execution permissions to the binary, and runs it. BusyBox calls itself the Swiss Army Knife of Embedded Linux. It provides a set of very common tools which you’ll find useful in your tinkering. The one that [Adam] shows off in his video is the vi editor, but the basics that make a shell work are all there like: ls, mkdir, grep, dmesg, mount… you get the point.

So what are you going to do with your unrooted device now that you have these commands at your disposal? That’s really for you to figure out. [Adam] continues his demonstration by installing a package that does require root access. It’s BotBrew Basil, which adds apt-get and a few more complex packages. He then uses vi to write a C++ Hello World program, then compiles it and runs it. So if you’re looking to do some development on your phone this is one way.

You just can’t beat the N900, as far as hacking, freedom, Linux tools, etc.

I still have mine handy, thought without a SIM. That went into my GS3 this year.

I’m actually considering keeping the N900 plugged in to USB power somewhere tucked away, and have it authenticate VPN connections for me. It’s on the WiFi the whole time, and I’ve got EasyDebian, so it should work.

Awesome, use busybox a lot on my phone but didn’t know about botbrew, looks awesome! On a side note, how dare you impersonate me, for adam@adam-desktop has long been MY machine! (and adam-laptop, adam-server too)

What would be way cold is if someone had compiled User Mode Linux (UML) for ARM. UML is an executable, like busybox. It does not require root. Once running, UML is a linux kernel running as an executable in userspace. When started UML “boots” up and runs /sbin/init which kicks everything off like a normal distribution.

Hey Mike,
It’s really interesting. I recently bought a Pixel mobile and I am trying this on it. I get an error like “Operation not permitted”. Could you help me overcome this error? And also I need to know whether I can root my Redmi Note 3 with this tool?